Friday morning, and sunlight peeked through the curtains, painting the apartment in soft gold. I stirred awake, my hair damp from the rain last night—even though I thought I had dried it before going to bed.
Then it hit me—the memory of Ethan holding me on the balcony, the warmth of his body against mine, the accidental closeness that made my heart race. My cheeks burned, and I buried my face in the pillow.
A few minutes later, the sound of coffee brewing made me sit up. Ethan appeared in the doorway, hair still slightly damp, a small grin on his lips. "Morning, sleepyhead," he teased.
"Morning…" I mumbled, trying to act casual, though my heartbeat betrayed me.
He walked over, holding two mugs, and set one beside me. "You're awfully quiet today," he said softly, leaning against the counter. "Still thinking about last night?"
I groaned, covering my face with my hands. "E-Ethan! Don't tease me!"
He chuckled, moving closer. "Oh, come on. You were practically melting in my arms on the balcony. Admit it—you liked it."
I peeked through my fingers. "I… I didn't! I mean… I did… but don't act like you didn't!"
He smirked, tilting his head. "Me? I was just… enjoying the moment. The rain… you… the heat of it all. Honestly, I didn't want it to end."
I felt my stomach flutter. "You… you really liked it?"
"Yes," he said softly, sitting on the edge of the sofa beside me. His hand brushed mine lightly, making my heart skip. "I wanted to hold you… protect you… feel close. Even if it was… technically against the rules."
I swallowed, my throat tight. "I felt the same," I admitted quietly. "And it scares me, Ethan. I can't stop thinking about it… about you."
He leaned closer, thumb brushing the back of my hand. "Neither can I, Lara. And maybe… maybe we shouldn't fight it too much."
My cheeks burned, but I couldn't help the smile forming. "So… what does that mean?"
"That means," he whispered, eyes locking onto mine, "we take it slow. Flirt, tease, enjoy… and see where this leads. Together."
I nodded, heart racing. "Together," I echoed.
He smirked, leaning back slightly but keeping his gaze on me. "Good. Now, finish your coffee before I decide to make you another… and maybe steal another balcony moment later."
I groaned, half embarrassed, half thrilled. "You're impossible!"
"And yet," he teased, "you like it."
Contract marriage, rules, boundaries… still there, yes. But after the balcony, after the rain, and this playful morning teasing, pretending was becoming harder—and way too exciting to stop.
And somehow, I knew… our hearts were far beyond rules already.